Former Prichard city employee faces four new charges

James Blackman, the former Executive Assistant to Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner, was arrested for the second time this month. Photo: Mobile Metro Jail

MOBILE, AL (WALA) -

James Blackman, the former Chief of Staff to Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner, was arrested for the second time this month.

Blackman, who was arrested and charged with 17 counts of theft on February 1st, turned himself in to authorities Thursday, February 8 and now faces four new charges of use of position for personal gain. Officials say Blackman was allowed by sign his own bond.

According to authorities, the new charges are related to property he directed the City of Prichard to purchase and then put it in his name, his wife's name or sold as a representative of the city and kept the proceeds from the sales.

The 30-year-old is accused of stealing more than $100,000.

His initial arrest came after an audit of the City of Prichard's finances found irregularities. Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich said Blackman stole money by writing checks to himself.

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